The city’s government management committee meets Monday to consider awarding a five-year contract to Hero Certified Burgers to set up shop in Nathan Phillips Square’s new concession building on the edge of the skating rink.

But the contract may be tough for some councillors to swallow.

Committee chairman Ainslie said he was expecting a “five-star restaurant” to want to open up in the square which is currently undergoing a $51.5-million renovation.

“I think we might be revisiting that one,” Ainslie said. “For a restaurant on the doorstep of City Hall and especially Nathan Phillips Square and all the money we’re putting into it, I was kind of hoping for something a little more five-starish than a burger joint.”

Ainslie, however, insisted he’s not “knocking” Hero Burger.

Hero Burger was the successful bidder for the year-round concession area. Four companies had submitted proposals to the city.

While publicly-released information does not reveal how much the contract is worth, the agreement would provide the city the option of renewing the arrangement for two additional five-year periods.

Councillor Pam McConnell said she was “disappointed” in the outcome of the request for proposals.

“But I can’t make other restaurant owners come forward,” McConnell said. “I don’t know whether or not the committee will decide if it is worth going back out again or we’ve got the best we can get.

“The restaurant itself makes good hamburgers, I don’t question that, but I had hoped for more of a variety of options,” she added.

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Poll

Do you think it would be OK for Hero Burger to set up shop in Nathan Phillips Square?

The city’s government management committee meets Monday to consider awarding a five-year contract to Hero Certified Burgers to set up shop in Nathan Phillips Square’s new concession building on the edge of the skating rink.

But the contract may be tough for some councillors to swallow.

Committee chairman Ainslie said he was expecting a “five-star restaurant” to want to open up in the square which is currently undergoing a $51.5-million renovation.

“I think we might be revisiting that one,” Ainslie said. “For a restaurant on the doorstep of City Hall and especially Nathan Phillips Square and all the money we’re putting into it, I was kind of hoping for something a little more five-starish than a burger joint.”